Details

Trip Info

Take your family, office, church, or scout group rafting on the Deerfield River's most popular rafting section, Zoar Gap. With a minimum age of 7, these Class II whitewater rapids with one Class III rapid are ideal for beginner rafters.

Our ten-mile white water rafting trip on Zoar Gap begins at Fife Brook Dam in Florida, Massachusetts. Rapids such as Microwave, Freight Train, and Pinball allow crews to hone their skills in preparation for the exciting class III whitewater of Zoar Gap. Below the Gap, we pull over in a state forest for a delicious picnic-style lunch with salads, homemade breads for sandwiches, and cookies. After lunch there are opportunities to swim or simply relax as we raft back to our basecamp where hot showers and a slide show of the day's adventure await.

Reviews

"It was a good mix of just enjoying floating on the river and exciting rapids. It was my first time, so I was a bit nervous, but it turned out perfect. It was also exciting enough to satisfy my 2 teenage boys who came along! Very well run, on time, organized, fun but safe! Staff was great." - Terese R.

"We had an awesome experience and cannot say enough good things about our adventure. We are looking forward to stepping it up to level 3 and 4 whitewater next summer. We felt safe and secure at all times. All anxieties were put to rest prior to stepping into the raft!!" - Karen O.

"This memorial day weekend I took my third trip with Zoar. All of those 3 trips have been the "Zoar Gap Trip", with different groups of people, it has always been a crowd pleaser and I would do it again when entertaining out of town guests. This trip over memorial day weekend was colder and rainier then we had expected, but the staff still provided a great time. One of these days I hope to get a chance to do the Dryway and Zoar will be my first choice." -Kathleen C.

What To Bring

Expect everything you bring with you on the raft to get wet! In warm summer weather, some guests are comfortable in bathing suits/swim trunks or light layers. However, we ask you to not wear cotton, as it will keep you cold and wet throughout the trip. Wool and synthetic materials such as polypropylene, nylon, and fleece, are appropriate for cooler weather and water temperatures.

Wetsuits, splash jackets, and neoprene river booties are available for rental if you need them. You are required to wear sneakers or other shoes that can be secured to your feet. No flip-flops or Crocs! We suggest bringing any required medications as well as extra money for souvenirs, coin-operated showers, etc. Before the trip, please leave any and all valuables including money as well as your dry clothes and towels for after the trip in your locked vehicle. Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience do I need for this trip?

With a minimum age of 7, these Class II whitewater rapids with one Class III rapid are ideal for beginner rafters. More experienced paddlers will find a scenic view of the Deerfield river valley relaxing while still facing a typically technical Northeast rafting day.

Is it safe?

While we have an excellent record, the sports of whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, zip lining, rock climbing, skiing, snow shoeing and biking have inherent risks. It should be recognized that accidents can and do occur. For this reason, we cannot assume responsibility for injury or loss of property. Participants in all activities will be required to sign a waiver stating they are aware of the risks involved and are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those with health problems limiting their normal activities may be prohibited from participation at Zoar Outdoor's discretion. Pregnant women will be prohibited from participating in Zoar Outdoor Activities.

What if I have food allergies?

We do not use nuts in our food, but cannot guarantee that the ingredients in our meals do not contain nuts or other food allergens. If you have food allergies or other special dietary needs, we strongly suggest you bring your own bag lunch in non-glass containers and we will pack it with the other lunches on your trip. You're also welcome to call our office at 1-800-532-7483 with any questions about the menu. If you intend to bring your own meal, please let us know ahead of time, since we take all of the food for the day out on the river with us, and would need to plan on including your food.

Do you have group rates?

Yes! For every 11 people you book, the 12th person goes out for free on the Zoar Gap. This discount applies automatically, so you can make your reservation online, or give our office a call at 1-800-532-7483.

Can we rent wetsuits?

Yes, we have westuits available to rent at Zoar Outdoor. On our Zoar Gap trip, wetsuit packages are included in your trip up until May 15th. After that, you can rent the wetsuit packages or the pieces themselves at the additional cost. Online or over the phone, you can pre-rent wetsuits for $10 plus tax; this package includes the wetsuit, a pair of river booties, and a splash jacket. Pre-rentals online or over the phone are non-refundable if you choose not to use them. You can also rent them here at Zoar before you trip for $10 for the wetsuit, and $5 each for the booties and the jacket.

Are wetsuits required?

Wetsuits are not required, but we have them should you want them! Wetsuits are ideal for those wishing to layer up for colder weather or those who tend to get chilly easily. The extra wetsuit layer helps to keep you warm, so it depends on personal preference!

Will there be photos of my trip?

Yes! Our photographer will be stationed at the class III rapid taking high quality pictures of each raft. Back at base you'll be able to view your photos in the rafting pavilion. If you'd like, you can purchase the photos of your raft.

What happens if the forecast calls for rain or storms?

We run our trips rain or shine, so you should come prepared for the weather. If we do have to cancel the trip, that decision would be made on the morning of the trip. However, it’s rare that weather forces us to cancel our rafting trips. If you are concerned about the forecast for your trip, you’re welcome to give our office a call at 1-800-532-7483.

What do we do with our car keys?

Keep your car keys with you during registration, as we will collect those and put them in a lock box just before gearing up, then return them to you when you get off the boats.

Should I tip my guide?

This is completely at your discretion. If you feel the service you receive from your guide is exceptional, and you want to say "thank you" with a tip, although it is not expected, it is always appreciated.

Can I request a guide?

If you have had a guide you especially liked and would like to have them guide your next trip, we will do our best to match their schedule to yours. Simply request your guide when you make your reservation. Please be aware that we are not always able to match request, but we will do our best!

How many people usually go in a boat?

We generally put 5 to 7 people in a boat, but this doesn’t mean that you need to have a group of 5 to 7 to go rafting. For example, if you’re reserving two people, you may be paired with a party of 4 or 5. If you have a group of 10 people, we would just divide you into two boats of 5 that go out on the water together. We also have two 8-person boats that are sometimes available for this trip.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

The use of recreational drugs or alcohol is prohibited on all programs. If you arrive here under the influence, you will be prohibited from participating in the day's activity and you will not receive a refund.

A Typical Day

The Zoar Gap trip meets at our base in Charlemont, Massachusetts at 10:30 a.m. Please try to be on time, since we must work within the schedule of water releases decided on by the power company. You will be required to read and sign a release of liability at this time. All guests will be required to wear a Zoar Outdoor issued PFD (Personal Floatation Device) and helmet. You will also be provided with a paddle. We raft a ten-mile section of class II and III whitewater on the Deerfield River in Northwestern Massachusetts. We put in below the Fife Brook Dam and finish the trip at our base camp in Charlemont, MA. The trip usually takes 6 hours, including registration, transportation to the river, swimming stops, a picnic lunch served on the river, and a slide show of your run through the biggest rapids.

This trip comes with a picnic-style lunch, and a spread of chips & salsa, hummus or black bean dip, fresh baked rolls with choices of cold cuts and cheeses, as well as lettuce, tomato, condiments, and dessert and a drink. From April 1st to May 15th and September 15th to October 15th, this trip comes with a side dish of vegetarian soup or chili. In the warmer season from May 16th to September 14th, the side dish is usually coleslaw, or a pasta or bean salad. Lunch on this trip may sometimes be served later in the day due to water release times, weather, or other factors beyond our control.

Pre-Trip Requirements

Directions/Getting Here

Registration for this rafting trip takes place at 7 Main St. in Charlemont, MA. You can park in the unpaved lot and head up the stairs to the kiosk outside the red building. There, guides will direct you to the appropriate pavilion.</p

Weather Policy

We run our trips and clinics regardless of the weather. In the event of a weather related cancellation, we would make the decision to cancel on the morning of the trip at Zoar Outdoor and would refund the trip in full. River conditions can vary based on rainfall, snow melt, dam operations and other factors. We reserve the right to modify or move a trip or clinic when we deem necessary based on expected conditions.

Waivers

Everyone will need to have a signed waiver on the day of the trip. Once you have signed up for the trip, check your confirmation email for a link to sign your waiver electronically. You can also download and print the waiver here.